Indian Wells, CA
Population 4,830 · California
About Indian Wells, CA
Indian Wells is a small town located in California with a population of 4,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $145,313 per year, which is 93% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 67.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Indian Wells features a median home value of $1,002,200, which is 309% above the national median of $244,900. This places Indian Wells in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,029, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,025 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,899 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (558 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Indian Wells shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Indian Wells have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.3% of Indian Wells residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Indian Wells, CA
Compared to national averages, Indian Wells has a median household income of $145,313 (93% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,002,200, which is 309% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,029 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Indian Wells's income is 49% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Indian Wells, CA?
Indian Wells offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $145,313, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,029/month, and a well-educated community where 59.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,002,200. However, Indian Wells’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Indian Wells has a population of 4,830 with a median age of 67.5 years. Compare Indian Wells with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Indian Wells
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bret Harte | 4,807 | $42,422 | $289,300 | Compare |
| Needles | 4,882 | $39,876 | $134,400 | Compare |
| Goshen | 4,895 | $72,813 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), California | 4,895 | $81,288 | $958,300 | Compare |
| Wrightwood | 4,907 | $78,496 | $456,400 | Compare |
| Tara Hills | 4,912 | $116,415 | $612,200 | Compare |
| Mather | 4,729 | $140,941 | $573,800 | Compare |
| Santa Ynez | 4,725 | $117,500 | $1,121,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Indian Wells With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Wells
What is the population of Indian Wells, CA?
The population of Indian Wells, CA is 4,830 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Indian Wells?
The median household income in Indian Wells, CA is $145,313 per year, which is 93% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Indian Wells?
The median home value in Indian Wells, CA is $1,002,200, which is 309% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Indian Wells?
The median monthly rent in Indian Wells, CA is $1,029, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Indian Wells?
The unemployment rate in Indian Wells, CA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Indian Wells, CA a good place to live?
Indian Wells offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,830 and a median age of 67.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Indian Wells, CA?
59.3% of residents in Indian Wells aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Indian Wells?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Indian Wells, CA: median home value is $1,002,200 (309% above national), median rent is $1,029/month, and median household income is $145,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Indian Wells?
The poverty rate in Indian Wells, CA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Indian Wells, CA?
Indian Wells's population is 3.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.